Lord, I Want to Know You {and a GiveAway!}

I’ve got so many fun things to share with you today!! First, I have a special video message – just for you – from Chapter 10 of A Confident Heart. In it I share about the power of knowing God by His Names and learning to living in the security of who HE is! Praying it will really encourage and inspire you today!

And, we just found out about an amazing deal on my book, (more details after the video) and we’ve got aContagious Confidence GiveAway you don’t want to miss! {But first, click the arrow for today’s message.}

BIG NEWSA Confident Heart Ebook for Kindle is on sale for $2.99through March 25th! And it’s now #1 in Theology and #1 in Women’s studies on Amazon Ebooks! We’re blown away by how God is carrying this message into so many more hearts and lives. We’d love for you to share the news – and guess what? Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle App on your computer, cell phone and other electronic devices here!

Online StudyI would love for you to join myConfident Heart online Bible/Book study that starts again April 23rd. It’s been incredible to read through the book with thousands of women around the world so I’m going to do it again this Spring. You can find all the info you need in my right sidebar–>

Renee Swope is a Word-lover, story-teller, heart-encourager and grace-needer. She's also a wife, mom, friend, daughter and author of A Confident Heart, a Retailers Choice Award winning book that became a best-seller and has been published in six languages, with over 150,000 copies sold. Renee is speaks around the country at women's events and and serves on the writing team for DaySpring’s inCourage blog. For twenty years, Renee served in leadership at Proverbs 31 Ministries and as former co-host of the ministry's radio program, “Everyday Life with Lysa & Renee.

Comments

I loved this chapter. It is a great reminder of God’s grace to us when we fail, fall or falter! Which happens more than I would like…yes even the misssionary of 30 plus years falls. I also was encouraged by reviewing the story of Gideon. Thanks so much for your teaching. I have not been able to see any of the videos….not sure but everytime it says there was an error to try again. If I could get them on a DVD…I am coming to the USA this summer. I don’t get on and look at comments so can you respond to my e-mail please. THANKS so much

So thankful for the way God is speaking to your heart and encouraging you through Chapter 10. But I”m so sorry about the videos not working. here is a link to my YouTube Channel where all of my videos are loaded. They should all be accessible there:

I came through Proverbs 21. I loved the names of the LORD. It is funny how God works< I had just thought to myself, I need to look up God's names to come to Him in prayer. I had done study of His Word and did not start it with prayer and as I read the devotion this morning it riminded me, once again to come to Him in prayer before feasting on His Word. Thanks for your work with Proverbs 21. It is a blessing to my life.

Like so many, I have allowed my failures to define me. I grew up in a Christian home that was full of these shortcomings and it made me question my relationship with Jesus, based on the things happening around me. Today, thanks to God’s word and a study I did with Melissa on A Confident Heart, I am handling things a bit differently. No matter how perfectly I have tried to make my adult life, my own home, my own family, I have learned that we still have moments of failure. I am so very thankful for God’s grace and mercy to me and those I love during these times of learning. And, yes, we are learning. . . to get back up, to forgive, to be forgiven (that one is still the toughest for me to comprehend), and to do the next best thing! God is good and I am so Blessed to call Him Father.

I am so thankful for this point! Today I was written up for failing to respond to an email from one of my supervisors regarding documentation. I had taken such pride in being timely and accurate in my submission of work, however I did fall short on responding to this email. I became hurt and than angry and than I expressed this when confronted with signing a formal letter to be placed in my file in HR.
After asking God to shut my mouth and remembering that I am still a valuable team player, I am not super human, and most important this letter in my file does not define me, devalue me, or threaten my life!
Its uncomfortable, but God knows my work ethic, he sees my heart, and God loves me so much that any shortcoming is an door to be knocked on when I need answers. Thank You for confirming the WALK, sometimes a stumble is all it takes to GET BACK UP AND RISE AGAIN!

As a music lover, I love it when I read something that reminds me of a song. A line in today’s devotion did just that. I’m not good with remembering artists, but I think it’s Toby Mac who sings a song about getting down and being lifted back up. You wrote “The truth is, we will sometimes fail to be who we want to be. But we will get closer to who we are meant to be every time we fall or fail and then choose to take God’s hand so we can get up again!”. For me, when words written match words sung, it’s something to which I need to take hold. Thank you for giving me my steadying thought for the day (and beyond).

Can’t wait to look and listen to that song. I love when God uses truth to get to us through different means like writing, a song, a sermon or a friend. Praying for HIS steadying thoughts to be yours all throughout today and this week as you take His hand and let HIM help you get up again and again!

Renee, this is what I needed this morning. Planning for next year’s homeschooling (and doing high school) has been such a struggle the past few years, and with each passing year doing this high school thing has really wrapped me in fear. I want to walk by my plan; GOD wants me to walk by faith – not knowing the next step around the corner.

Your words spoke right to me:
The greatest defeat comes when I allow my mistakes, sins or broken relationships to convince me that I might as well give up.

Perhaps you have also allowed failure to knock you down, tie you up with the ropes of regret and hold you hostage like I have.

The greatest defeat comes when I allow my mistakes, sins or broken relationships to convince me that I might as well give up.
…

I think God wants us to remember that following Him is not about avoiding failures and being perfect. It’s about accepting our weaknesses and becoming more dependent on His perfect love and power at work in us.

I’ll send it on to my women friends so they, too, can be reminded it’s not about perfection but dependence on HIM.

Thank you for your comment~The things you mentioned int he last part of your comment were especially helpful to me-the part about God wanting us to remember… If you don’t mind I just might write those words out & post them in my kitchen so I can see them everyday:) Also, I prayed right now for you as you try to figure out the homeschooling issues. ~Blessings~

Dear JD, I just want to encourage you in your home schooling journey. I just completed my home schooling journey of 15 years. Trail and Error should be the title of a home school journal. I love the verse, “Train up a child in the way he/she should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
It is not how we want them to go it is the way God wants them to go. I failed a lot and He picked me up every time. I still fail as a mother and sometimes my kids say I am failing when I am not, but He knows the difference and is still there to support me.
I will pray for your journey.
Shalom

Hi Julie, I’m so glad God timed it to have me share just what you needed to hear from HIM today. I’m so proud of you for walking in faith and trusting Him each step of the way even when it’s hard. I’m praying you will keep holding onto that truth that encouraged you most in today’s devotion – it’s the one I need to remember to: God isn’t looking for perfection – but dependence on HIM. Blessings and hugs to you and yours!! And tell Eddie we said hi!!

God’s timing is just wonderful. Your daily devotions have so often just been another link in the chain of my Bible study or what I needed to hear for that moment. Today’s devotion was just another timely word from the Lord. Bless you. Keep on sharing your inspiration..

If I am really honest I have to say that I need to think on everything written in the devotion & the blog a bit more. I know for sure that I have the voice in my head that beats me down when I don’t get things done or when I sin etc. Your devotion was timely!

Thanks for being honest. praying for you to have or take time today to ask Jesus for one things He wants you to hold onto and live in today!! These words are all truly His – I’m just a pencil in HIS hands!! And I’m honored to be that!!

So glad that encouraged you – I love the difference it makes when we insert our names in the scriptures and personalize them for ourselves. Such a powerful tool and just makes God feel so much closer doesnt it?

I was just telling someone else the other day that when one of God’s Names becomes ours it drops from our head into our hearts. I really want to study on the Names of God…and rehearse them day by day…(if I can be faithful to it)… I too, have many doubts…I am glad that God is the One who is Faithful. Psalm 9:10…Gotta look that up and print it out…excellent!

Renee,
Thank you for reminding me I am not alone, Emanuel, GOD is with me. In my weakness His strength is perfected. I homeschool a teenager and it has been a challenge, mainly in my doubts of am I choosing the right curriculum,. I have made many mistakes in preparing him for the future. I fear him not making it in college….
I look forward to downloading your message notes for reassurance that my GOD will be never leave me nor forsake me.

The message you wrote today hit home! When I got to your prayer about now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus I knew God had prepared my mind and heart. Putting on the armor by being prepared with the Word! Thank you so much!

I awoke this morning with the thought of my many faults and failures. This devotional was exactly what I neded today. It spoke to me in such a deep and meaningful way. I love the verse, and actully put it as my status on my facebook page today. It is such a blessing to know that even through our failures, that we, as a child of God, wil rise again–and that He is there to hold our hand. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement and confidence today!

Thank You Renee for sharing this verse…we need to be reminded that there will be times of failure…but Thank God it is never final when Jesus is Lord of everything in our lives. Enjoyed your video shared with a friend ..we were both Blessed by your encouragement. God Bless you as continue to minister …

I have been intrigued by the names of God for many years and have several books relating to that. Somehow, just knowing what each one of them implies about God lifts my spirit and as I pray using them I know He hears. I believe it pleases Him when His children know about who He is and what He wants to be personally for each of us. I continue to try to learn more and teach others that God is not only pre-existing, eternal but also desiring fellowship with me. What a wonderful thought!!! We all will fall, of course, but the future with my heavenly Father in charge of my life will continue to be promising.

I am looking forward to reading your book and doing the study of it with you. I just came across your site today while I was doing devotions on Crosswalk.com. I so needed this message from you because I need to have surgery done to remove my gallbladder and I am very scared. I feel very unworthy of God to answer any prayers of mine. I am trying to drown myself in His word. I have been saved since I was 13 (I’m now 42) but I have been in and out of church for awhile. I have treated God more lke my servant over the years then as my Lord. Thank you sooo much for your devotion today, I truly needed it!!!

“Lord, I want to know you,” in a personal way too! I want to listen to you Lord and to trust You with Your direction for my life. I have walked through that open door this week from being focused on myself and afraid I would fail/fall or someone might think to focused and trusting God. When God opens your eyes, it is amazing how bound up satan really has us. Renee, God is using you to touch lives and open hearts, thank you for allowing Him to use you in such a powerful way. I don’t want the book to end so I guess you must write another, maybe how God can use those Confident Hearts. Whether or not you do, I do know that God will be holding my hand and picking me up, and that I need those difficult times to grow in Him so He can mold me into that person I need to be.

I shared last night one of the things I highlighted. Just wanted to share this morning that the ending prayer thoughts from the video are indeed my prayer. Thank you Renee for letting God use you with this book and study!

Thank you for this devotional today. I beat myself up on a daily basis thinking I’ve said something I should not have said, worrying what someone else might say and on and on. The scripture comes to mind if God is for us, then who can be against us. It is so easy to say the words and not to doubt. Thank you Lord for giving this special women Your insights and touching other women in need. The Lord has blessed us all.

Thank you Renee for this devotion today. As I read all the comments above and pray for each person there, I feel the Lord moving though me and I know I am not perfect and I have done and will continue to do things that will disappoint the Lord, but as you say, I can and always will “get back up”. I agree with Nancy above and it is so true, the chorus of Toby Mac’s song,

“We lose our way, we get back up again.
One day your gonna “shine” again.
It’s never too late to get back up again.
You may be knocked down but not out forever.”

Thank you Renee for all you do to bring us all closer to our Savior! ~Hugs~

Your book goes right along with what my counselor is telling me I need to do. She says I need to “pat myself” on the back more for the things I am doing right and not feel bad about myself. Your book is helping me with good things to think about myself. Thank you!

What a marvelous message — our God is always there to pick us up. The part about Him using our weaknesses and failings to cause us to draw closer to Him is so freeing! Thank you so much for sharing these words of comfort and encouragement.

So far in Chapter 10, one of my favorite things I’ve read is: “Because of God’s mercy and forgiveness, my guilt-induced doubt is replaced by grace-induced confidence.” I’m one who let’s guilt get the best of me so often, I hope to call upon this quote to remind me to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness when I mess up.

As I read this today I realize that at times I fail to pray for things (such as releasing my doubts and fears to God) because I, of course, am yet again afraid I will not actually allow myself to release these things and put my trust in God…which will again make me feel like a failure. WOW! What a vicious circle that is. But today is the first time I have actually realized and/or admitted that am afraid to let go of things and afraid to pray about it it. I will start praying for these things TODAY and will start putting my trust in God and will take one day at a time. Thank you for sharing this today!!! Just what I needed!!

Renee,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt and inspirational messages. They really speak to me. I am encouraged when you share about your everyday stuggles within your family and how you let God carry you through them. I, too, can be very hard on myself when I feel like I have failed to be all God created me to be. I love when you said, “I think God wants us to remember that following Him is not about avoiding failures and being perfect. It’s about accepting our weaknesses and becoming more dependent on His perfect love and power at work in us.” Thank you again for your encouragement. I would really love it if I could win a copy of your book. God bless you and this ministry.

There were two things in today’s devotion that spoke directly to my heart. The first was the picture that you painted when you wrote, “Perhaps you have also allowed failure to…, tie you up with the ropes of regret…” That one made me pause because I really saw myself in that. I have allowed regret – could have, should have, would have – to consume my thoughts. It has tied up my thoughts to the point that it was incapacitating me to do much else. Thank you! I was somewhat aware before but now I clearly see. I’m very visual and I was able to see how much it was affecting me. I say was because now that I am fully aware I am going to be vigilant about it.

The second thing was the scripture with the blanks to insert my name. That was powerful! It’s not just the steps of “a good man” are established by the Lord; it’s the steps of Felicia are established by the Lord!! That hit home.

I am participating in the Bible Study starting April 23rd and I cant wait!

Thank you for this wonderful reminder! I have been unhappy with my job for about 4 years & have failed in the search for another job. Sometimes I really feel like giving up. Thanks for helping me remember that through the Lord’s strength I can get back up & persevere.

Lord I want to know you for who you really are so that I can trust you more today and every day. Thank you Renee for sharing this video…just in time for my doubts that creeped into my world this morning. I will also share this on my FB page. I would love a copy of your book. Blessings

Because we are human, failure is a way of life. Our life is now hid in CHRIST, who is our hope and our means to be transformed into Christ’s likeness. I think my greatest motivation to get up again, is my LOVE for Christ! My desire to love Him better and to give HIM praise with my life is what gives me the ability to dust myself off and try again. HE IS ABLE!!

Hi Rene
Thank you so much for the reminder of God’s great generosity. His generous patience, grace, mercy and forgiveness. I will be purchasing a kindle copy of ‘A Confident Heart’. I actually wrote and recorded a song about this very topic. It’s called, ‘True Love’. I would also like to congratulate you and the whole Proverbs 31 team on such an awesome job you’re all doing. I am so blessed by the daily devotions that I receive. May God bless you and the whole team richly.

Hi Renee!
I’m so thankful for each chapter I read, this book has been such a blessing to me! Altough I’m a few chapters behind, I did skip to Chapter 10, and I really love the names of GOD! I have a nice big poster on my wall right in front of my computer with the names of GOD that I had got when I had visited the Holy Land Experience! It’s a daily reminder of who GOD is, what HE is, and what HE is doing in my life daily!
Blessings
Stephanie

I shared the link today on my facebook and I do often. I am in a Bible Study at my church in Lysa book, “More than just a good Bible study girl”. It seemed to be a theme this week. He will pick me up, righteous woman of God…not just 7 times, but 70 x 7. I know He has and will continue. That is why I like sharing Proverbs 31 on my facebook.

I get the email everyday. Actually, I get more than 3 of them from different Proverbs 31 speakers too. Every morning I get my Air 1 verse of the day, then I read the main Proverbs 31 devotion, then the other ones through the day as I have time. If I can’t get to them all by bedtime I relax and catch up at night before I go to bed.

Thank you Renee, for being honest in the chapter. To be real as a speaker about what it is like in your car is probably the hardest and most needed thing you can do. I love that we have you posting a clip of you between conferences, with you precious little one in her car seat telling us the sound a cow makes, and this week, you failing with your husband the day you blew it. We all blow it and to know that a Christian speaker puts on her eye shadow, mascara, and lip stick thinking the same things about her gray hair (or gray hair she thought she saw) is what we need to hear.
God has given you a platform to encourage and built up believers (sisters in Christ) and this is a day that those of us who are trying to keep up with our church, family, and community in a technical world that is changing fast I am so thankful that you and Lysa have provided your services in this way.
When you first started I remember getting the little newsletters in the mail. I had little kids and that was a way I could connect. You filled the gap in my life that had been filled by “Christian Woman’s Magazine” when I was a working woman. I didn’t start having children until I was 31. 21 years later I have returned to school to sharpen my resume and tool box with computer skills. I still like getting the Proverbs 31 magazine in my mail box and I give it to a friend when I am finished, but having the website to share with my facebook friends is wonderful. (even men comment on the verses sometime)
Maybe there should be a Proverbs 31 Man ministry too. hehe.
I fall down and He gently picks me up. That is what I like about the Holy Spirit; He is a gentleman who treats me like a lady. I love the old musicals and one of my favorite lines is: ” I just want to be a lady” by Alisa Doolittle, in My Fair Lady.

Renee, I loved your devotion. It is my desire to know the Lord and the names that you have posted will help. I do have a copy of your book so I do not follow the bible study as it relates to reading the chapters. However, I will view your video and read the downloadable messages and other articles. I would sure love to win one of your books. I pray that God’s favor rests on me and I’ll be selected as a winner. Keep up the good work Renee you are surely making a difference.

I really needed to hear this today! I have been doing the battlefield of the mind games today and beating myself up for failures. It is so good to know that God expects us to fail but all we have to do is repent and ask for forgiveness to start fresh with Him! Gaining confidence in my walk with God is a struggle for me and I thank you (and the Lord!) for this reminder.

I get the Proverbs 31 daily emails. I followed a link to here and am so glad I did. I’ve been struggling with people pleasing and feeling like a failure when I make a mistake. Thank you so much for reminding me that God is always there in so many ways. I needed that today!

What stood out for me today is…
*get up & depend on his forgiveness and try again
* he’ll take me by the hand
* my struggles will make me stronger when I go to God
* Trust Him more & more each day and share my life with him.

I love hearing from you in your devotionals. I feel like we “know” each other. I especially appreciate how you pointed out a new truth for me, in today’s verse. Proverbs 24:16 – “…… though the righteous fall…..”. Wow; I want to digest this all day long.
I want to share this with my daughter via the special on Amazon kindle (she just recently got one with some gift cards from Christmas.) I also thought of a dear friend who I will e-mail this devo to.
I am a mentor mom for our church MOPS program and I think they need this wisdom as well! Aren’t we blessed to have facebook and all these other forms of sharing God’s good news and the truths that He reveals through you. Thank you for your authenticity and being real!

I was just thinking about this yesterday! God gave me the chance to face my biggest fears and walk through them so He could show me that I’m so much stronger than I think I am. On top of that, whether I’m strong or not, I have a God who is bigger than all the giants. I should be confident!

I personally prefer reading books rather than spending more time on the computer (easier on the eyes as well), but am “thrilled” with kindle price as have been wanting to share this study with others but knew buying the book could keep them from being able to participate. Will definitely pass this on to them!

My challenge isn’t falling down, its staying up and being strong. I love that God’s strength is in us and because we are to be like him, we will be strong. I love that since their is God, there is always a way.

Hello my sisters I have just been through the toughest thing…Please pray for me to have peace, not fear, it will be ok, it’s me…boy this chapter is just hitting me head on with what I am dealing with I will write again later…I love all of your encouragement and I am praying constant to get out of my fear of my own self…

I have not been able to do this study like I would have like to but I really enjoyed what you said in your video today. It is so much easier to allow our mistakes to define us. Not sure why but when we do we are really not relying on God’s amazing grace and forgiveness. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

Hi Kelli, I pray this chapter encourages you that it’s okay not to be perfectly consistent. I’m never as consistent as I want to be – but God’s teaching me so much about HIS grace. Would love for you to consider joining the next study in April. This is the kind of book people are reading again and again and getting something more each time! Let me know if you sign up. I’d love that!

I just wanted so say that this book has helped me to finally get an understanding to many things I have struggled with and did not know why. I have only known pain and abuse for most of my life and for the past ten years I have been on my journey with God. Being a first generation Christian I have not had the support many others experience so I have made many mistakes and wrong turns along the way. I am so thankful God does not give up on me and continues to love me. Thank you for this book and this online study.

Todays devotion & video really spoke to me. I am often too aware of my failures. Need to look to God & how He wants me to learn from them, & move on to what He has for me rather than letting Satan will by staying where I have fallen, or going back again & again to visit that place. Have definitely struggled with not wanting to try again, thinking why bother, will just fail again. During this study, God has used the videos, etc. to really speak to me right where I am, just when I need to hear it.

I’m so very thankful God continues to save me from myself – my own bad choices – and rescue me time and time again. Not based on if I deserve it (especially since I don’t!) but simply because of His love for me, His faithfulness, grace & mercy! Praise His Holy Name!!!!!!! : )

Thinking of God as dependable is new to me. I’ve always thought of Him as being too busy for me. But, throughout this bible study, I have been making a sincere effort to change my perspective by seeking God’s perspective on things. I’m going to try and really see God as dependable. Thank you Renee for your encouragement.

The names of God are all so beautiful, but one that stands out for me is Abba-my father. My earthly father died 30 years ago shortly after my high school graduation. When he was alive we didn’t have a good relationship. Because of this, I have had to learn to rely on God as my father. He loves me (us ) in a way my dad couldn’t have and that gives me a lot of comfort. I fail and fall a lot and I need my Abba Father to help me to get up and move on because I can’t do it myself.

hi I am going to be a water aerobics instructor. My feet have had some issues, so now that these are healed I can begin the process. Usually I get discouraged but this time I am getting back up!! and taking the next step. thank you for the blog:))

Thank you Renee for the devotion I just watched on your website. The message about the rightweous falling but always getting up was so encouraging. It encourages me to keep trying !! Your book is awesome too.

I have always felt like a failure and so misunderstood and unloved by anyone. This chapter and the entire study and learning the names of God has been so real to me. God has made it become so real by giving me a physical view of Him and all that He I need Him to be to me. It has made me more aware of how much He really does love and accept me. I am a “visual” person. I have a need to see things in order for them to sink in. I now think that God knows that about me and He plans what He wants to teach me by giving me visuals. Just especially how I need it to be. I remember how He has shown me things over and over and over “visually” to prove His love to me.

Hi Renee, I have been receiving your emails for some time now but had not really signed up for any of your teachings, but I will today for your next study starting in April. I took advantage of getting the book as an ebook on my computer and have read only the first chapter, but am excited to continue reading it, studying it along with the word of God as I have not been in scripture on a regular basis other than the Encouragement for Today devotionals which I totally love and look forward to reading. Even if I miss a day or two I still take the time to catch up and read them all. But from what I have seen your format is going to cause me to dig a little deeper within my heart right from the comfort of home, as I am recently retired. I need to become more confident in getting up at a regular time. Scheduling out my chores, errands, my crafts so as to be productive and being involved in God’s work along with it all. So many times in recent years I just feel so overwhelmed and I don’t want that to continue. When overwhelmed, I get nothing productive done. Anyway, I have tried to live by Jeremiah 29:11-13, a verse I learned about 16 years ago in BSF, Bible Study Fellowship. Our family was going thru a lot of struggle back then and wow that was what I needed to get me thru. Well I have rambled on too long as I tend to do. I will be reading chapter 10 next and then go back to where I left off on Chapter 1. God bless you and thank you for sharing your insight knowledge and wisdom to the rest of us.

Your book has really been a confidence builder for me over the last month. God is using you to minister to so many ladies. Thank you. I lvoe the names of God, • El Sali: God of My Strength (Ps. 42:9) and Emmanuel: My God with Me (Matt. 1:22–23), they are all so powerful and freeing to me. I am so thankful for His love for me.

My dear sister,
I signed up with BibleGateway 2 weeks ago for a number of devotionals which included yours.
this is an answer to my prayer . I am in a new season and our Lord kept on giving instructions
in many ways ,and your devotional is one of them. GOD bless you and thanks so much.

Ive only just returned to Christ and it never ceases to amaze me, something I might have otherwise considered a coincidence, how he speaks to me through you words. I struggle, oh how I struggle, with fear and doubt. Submitting my will to His has been such a struggle. I find myself trying to force events around me. I go through such physical torment that I could compare to an addicts’ quitting “cold turkey” until I finally let go. Then peace. Thank you!

Renee and all,
I was touched by your Proverbs 31 daily devotion and how well it fits your bolg today. This piece relayy moved me “Failure produces wisdom when we ask for it and maturity when we learn from it”. For anyone in the study, the daily devotion are wonderful and so mant time overlap the chapters we are studying. Your video worked fro me and was beutiful.
May we are go to God and be lifting up my his hands each time we fall and know that it was part of His greater plan and embrace it was sucess not failure.
I am off to purchase the book on my Kindle so it will always be with me as a strong reminder that I do have a confident heart.
Blessings always,J

I just came across your site this morning after clicking the link in the Proverbs 31 devotional email. I only signed up for that a day or so ago.. I woke up this morning with an “I just can’t anymore” attitude. I couldn’t believe that I was led to THIS page today. What an eye opener. Please know that He is using you daily, and I can’t wait to dig into your site more, and find a copy of “A Confident Heart” Thank you!

Renee, thank you for doing this book study again on A Confident Heart. I was trying so hard to keep up with the book study this winter and I could not. Life throws you many curves. I truly believe God was sending me a message not to worry because you are doing the book study again in April. I am so grateful.
I hope this book study will give me a confident heart to move on with my life in a spiritual, kind, and positive matter. Thank you.
Kat

Wow! How perfect! Today I was just talking with my counselor today about how hard it is for me to feel like I really know God as well as feeling his love and protection when it is something I’ve never really felt before from anyone. So how do I trust him and believe that he loves me and cherishes me when I’ve never experienced those things.. How do I know he’s there?

This chapter and the video message answered that… Because he’s El Roi- The God Who Sees Me. He knows what I need just like he knew what Gideon needed. He is patient with my needs of reassurance and will understand my doubts and help me face them as long as I come to him. But I have to face my fears and give them to him in order to grow and to deepen my relationship with him.

Oh Renee, if I could only explain to you how much I needed this right n ow .I had gotten a bit behind with reading and was thinking about letting it go for a bit and trying again the next study. But then you sent the message the next morning about how important this chapter was and to just read it regardless of whether you were there yet or not. So it seemed like an answer to my pray and i’m so glad I read it. It was Gods way of telling me he knows me and he is patiently there waiting to reassure me and you were the glorious messenger!! Thank God for you, my dear sister in Christ!!
,

Renee thank you so much for your message today I have falllen so many times before that fear is now my first name rereading the story of gideon gave me strength but your video gave me the confidence I needed to believe this time around will be different .I can now say without a doubt jehovah jiro my provider and reach out and allow him to pick me up .

I am so Thankful to the insight that you have shown me through your videos reading this amazing Book and just the Assurance through your testimoneys in your own life.In Chapter 10 it talks about God’s Mercy and His Amazing Grace.iI Love all the chapters in A Confident heart they have all spoke to me in many areas of My own Life.I Love the part where you say God is not looking for a woman who is Perfect.He is looking for a woman who wants to walk with Jesus and find her confidence through Her daily dependence on Him.I Pray that I show God daily that I am well able to accomplish every task that is set before me.I Thank God for no matter how many times I fail Him in areas of my Life because I am still in Growing Grace with Him that He never stops Forgiving me and showing Compasion on me.I so much wiser now from this online study and have gained so much Wisdom and Knowledge from the Lord.I will not let the devil whisper lies into my ears any longer I will tell him my ears are not trash cans.I will say my Heart rejoices in Jesus and no one can take that away from me.I ask God for forgiveness in the areas of my Life that I was not putting my Full Trust in Him and His Promises. I make this Declaration of Faith.I have a Spirit different from the World.I am Loyal to the Lord and I will follow Him Wholeheartedly I shall Posses the Land for His Glory.I will seek to give Him my time which is due Him I will not let the cares of this Life shorten my time with Him And I will draw Strength in The Name of God.Thank you again for helping us woman all over the world conquer and Win through our Obedience in our walk with God.

I’ve only read a few pages of the first chapter of your book and the information that was included in the email that I received from Proverbs 31 Ministries today. I feel very confident that your book will help me to overcome my doubt struggles. Thank you so much 🙂 Just in time–I have some life altering events coming along in the near future. I’ll appreciate your prayers for my family being unified and my children to be safe from all evil that is currently present in their lives.

I too have allowed my failures to define me. I focus on my weaknesses and fill my thoughts with AM thoughts. I have been struggling with this for years. I am working on filling my mind with the FM thoughts. Mind you, it takes an old lady a long time to get it all together. Growing up in a Christian home I still always felt my shortcomings. Instead of focusing on my growth I think I worried about what others would think, etc. Thank you for the opportunity to take this journey with you. Thank you for your words of encouragement and continually lifting us up.
Through this study, along with the Beth Moore Bible study of Paul that I am going through at my church I am beginning to feel the changes slowly happening. As I go through this “Amazing Race,” I am daily reminded of God’s “Amazing Grace.”

Dear Renee, through your book and God’s word, we have sweet fellowship in our Sat. morning Bible study at our volunteer fire station in our small town. We finally have a safe place to share deeply, and we are reaching out to other women. God’s perfect timing…. I love it that we are discovering who we are in Christ and what God really says about us. We have been praying for our new sister in Christ, “C”, who will leave for Mayo Clinic on Monday. Praying for God’s total healing on her life. God bless you for paving the way for us women to open up to other women. God loves you and so do we!

I was soooo happy to find out about the Kindle ebook of “A Confident Heart” for 2.99. I bought immediately. I’ve been wantiing to do a study with you for a while, now I can! I’m so excited about getting to know the Lord Jesus Christ better any way that I can. God bless you!

Continually thanking God for you, Renee.
You have become a sister and best friend in my heart even though we have never meet.
God knew your guidance and wisdom would help me climb out of a very deep pit.
You have led me to so many amazing woman trusting in Jesus.
Most days I am speechless when God tells me exactly what I need to hear through you.

This chapter was so encouraging to me. It seems that I fail more than I succeed some days. The busyness of work follows me home then I have to take care of dogs & hubby, before having my quiet time. Unfortunately, by that time I’m exhausted & I fall asleep. But just reading your words of reassurance has really helped me be more positive this week. Praise God. We may soon be finished with this study, but this is one book that will not be put away on a shelf. I plan to read it again and make more notes in my journal. Blessings to all my sisters in this study. I will also share on facebook.

I loved the story of Gideon, but I think the teaching you had about failing was utterly inspired. I think so many of us who are A type people, think when we fail we have let down God. We made the wrong choices, we werent listening etc. Its so easy to beat ourselves up. I think failing is apart of God’s plan for us because it brings us back to Him. Its a reproof and a way for God to teach us something very important. I love also the names of God that you have put together. I think there are a few things that are important to know by heart- the Lords prayer is one and I would like to add these too. I would like to spend sometime each day thinking of the names of God. I think its a good way to know Him more. I liked your idea of carrying these in my purse. Im going to put a copy in my prayer journal. Thanks. (Ive signed up for your comments and shared this on FB and with my mops group. Its so awesome this book is only 2.99. Im going through the study again. It gave me a lot of hope. Thanks for all you do through your ministry. Thanks!)

What encouraged me while watching your video is even though we will fall down and fail, God will always help us up. It reminds me of the song whose words are even if I fall, I’ll rise again for you are my God.

I am new to this website but I subscribe the the Proverbs 31 daily devotional. I was so blessed by today’s reading which was a small piece from your Confident Heart book. I too struggle with not being confident and feeling a bit disconnected in my relationships. I see my walk with the Lord as one day at a time and just pray for the guidance that will be needed. I am learning not to worry so much about what others think and just concentrate on living sacrificially to the Lord. I realize that in doing this I will love others far more than I would in my own strength. I am also learning to put people before tasks. I am very tasks oriented and sometimes this means I forfeit time spent in conversation with others. I have sometimes done this because I am more confident in my work ability than my relational ability. I know that God is very relational and so I am slowly trusting the guidance that sometimes I just need to listen and not have a perfect answer for everyone. I have signed up for your Confident Heart study and I am so looking forward to it.

I bought the 3book when it was $10.00 but it is worth soooo much more. I would love to have a hard copy for study. I have been touched each week. But this week is right where I am. I will be reading this chapter a lot!!

It feels like lately that things in life are spinning out of control…tension at work, stress everywhere, dreams that aren’t coming true in the time I wished they would, sickness…just one thing after another. It’s easy, really easy to get frustrated and doubt God, doubt myself and doubt those around me. But, being in this study and making a conscious decision each day to praise God, to turn to God’s word and to feed myself with God’s promises, is making such a difference. What I mentioned above is still happening but I am trying to turn my focus from those things to God and live in what He promises.
So grateful for this study and the blessing it has become!

Thank you for your diligence in bringing the studies to us week by week and day by day. Letting God work in and through you. I will miss it. I like the name of God: El Roi, The God Who Sees Me. God knows everything about us and still loves us. Thank you again for sharing your walk with us.

I already receive your e-mail updates and look forward to opening my e-mail everyday to see what you have sent. You have been such a true blessing to me on a daily basis. I haven’t been able to follow the study exactly the way that I would have liked, so I am going to sign up the one in the Spring. i also receive devotions everyday that I read from Proverbs 31.org. I have ordered several books that have been a true blessing to me from there. I also love your radio program. Thanks so much Renee. You have given me a whole new understanding of the direction that I need to take to have peace and confidence in myself. I want to give it all to God.

I appreciate the video because it serves as a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect. I am the oldest child in my family and high expectations were placed on me as I grew up. I always felt I had to do things perfectly and needed to be a good example. So when I failed at different things during my life, I felt I was a failure and God was disappointed with me. As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned that it’s ok to make mistakes, and the Lord is there to help you get up again not to mention He’s forgiving.

Amazing chapter. Praying using the names of God was powerful & intimate between God and me! I have pretty recently known him as my deliverer when over and over he told me to stand still and do nothing-he would deliver me. It was AMAZING. As I prayed these names specifically tears began to flow and I believe God was revealing his heart to me. I have always loved and been drawn to the names of Jesus….corner stone…bright morning star…lilly of the valley….rock of ages! Now these names to experience God as I am very much looking forward to!

Great video too! I must say I always like to check out your decor, clothes, and jewelry…..even though I KNOW that’s not what it’s all about….fun to see. Always looks great. Content was awesome though. :-):-):-)

I think knowing God’s many names brings us closer to him. It helps us to know what He is about, where He is from, and where He can take us! This past Christmas we made a paper chain to decorate our entryway. Each strip of paper had one of His many names written on it. It is so wonderful/meaningful, I have it hanging in my daughter’s play room.

I find reading this book and listening to any video that comes my way just guides my heart into feeling confident. After losing my parents in the last 19 months (not at the same time), studying God’s Word has brought me so much healing. I need the confidence to keep moving forward in my healing and living as an inspiration to my family (who do not believe). It is so frustrating; but prayer and study keep me going. Thank you for this book and this study.

When I heard you read the scripture what resonated with me was the righteous shall fall 7 times. I equate that with the seven days of the weeks so I read it again and said the righteous shall fall daily, but we will rise up again. That means to me that each day is a battle to live confidently and to follow the plans God has for us, but he promises to bring hope to our doubt, and strength to our weakness.

I love when God reaches down and takes my hand, and lifts me up! I found a wooden cross at a
Christain store with all of God’s names. It’s beautiful and I can look at it every day and priase our heavenly father. Thank you Renee for sharing this study with all of us.

I am so like you (or like you were) and I beat myself up for any failure. I’m a perfectionist which has taken me far at work and other areas of my life but this does not give me peace or joy. My peace and joy comes from God when I reflect on who He is and have my confidence in him. Thank you for your devotional today and having us put our names into Psalm 37:23-24. It touched my heart to read itwith my name in it and God’s promise that He delights in my way and holds me up when I fall. Thank you, sweet sister. God bless you!

I have fallen so far behind in this study that I am going to continue with all I am doing, but also plan to join the next study also. I know that I have got to get really close with some specific Bible studies as I have no doubt that I will be coming under attack for the next few months. I just found out that I have been accepted to go on a mission trip to work in a Malnutrition Center for Children (babies to 10 yrs.). This is in San Juan, Guatemala. I will be leaving June 23, 2012 and would appreciate prayers for God to prepare my hands to work with these babies. I absolutely adore children and am really excited. But I have some fear creeping in also, as it has hit me this evening that I am not going with anyone from my church as I did the 2 times I went to Africa. I will know no one and it looks like I may be flying out of the Houston area alone as well. Thank you for all that you do, Renee. I am still working through this study, and will see you again in a few weeks for the second time.
Ronda

The Names! So powerful!!! That list alone should make us confident women because God has left nothing undone! He is all encompassing! If we just turn it over to Him and trust Him, there is NOTHING that He won’t or can’t take care of. I’m going to hang that list on my fridge and in my bedroom, so that when I’m worrying or doubting, or just feeling at my wit’s end, I can see it and rest assured that my God can and will take care of me!

Thank you Renee for taking the time to share these videos. I am learning so much from the book and your videos. I am learning to trust God more and that he is there for me in all situations. I really related to your story about when you blew it and kept beating yourself up – that is me – And you call yourself a Christian? I don’t know how many times my one son as told me this – and my confidence goes right out the door – Chapter 10 helped me to realize that no matter how many times we fail, God is right there to pick us back up when we seek him. Thank God for his grace. I will be at the seminar this weekend. Cannot wait to see you. Blessings, Elaine

Oh how I need You Lord! You never desert those who seek your help (Ps. 9:10) – I seek Him now as I face many obstacles in my career. My letter of intent is due in 2 days – are my obstacles a sign to leave, or a sign to lean on Him for His strength and carry on.

On Sunday before beginning chapter I had asked the question: how frustrating is it for God when He speaks us and we pretend not to hear or just flat out ignore him? I was reminded that God has loves us and has patience that we can never comprehend. As I started reading on Monday and began reading our prayer for the week I was so pleasantly greeted with Emmanuel becausey God IS always with me even when I fail… El Shaddai truly is sufficient enough for me because in ALL things when I take the time to seek him WOW do I ever SEE Him and how He is working in my life and putting the pieces together…thank you for such a great guide and reminder in A Confident Heart!

Your book and your online study has helped me sooooo sooo sooo much!!!! One, I am diving into the word of God on a daily basis and have noticed a difference in my attitude on life and God and have developed more of a biblical perspective on WHO I have been called to be. I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement, inspiration, and Love!

Hi Renee, Thanks again for writing the book! I have been soo blest!! Want you said about being dpendent on God!! God has been helping me realize that i have to be totality dependant upon Him!1 I’m very thankful that God is patience with me! I like it when you said God is not looking for a women who is perfect He is looking for a women who wants to walk with Jesus, and that is what I want to do!! It Is amazing to me that i have sooo many sisters on line— i do not have any sisters— so that this Bible study is soo wonderful to have sister all over the world praying and studing the Bible with me!! Joyce

Renee, I gave A Confident Heart to my daughter. I had been praying for God to heal our relationship. I read the book first and God healed my heart after 40yrs of brokenness. I can now PRAISE God and feel His love!!

Renee, You are amazing …..GOD is amazing. I have so many insecurities, fears, worries, and feel hopeless at times. Work is demanding, difficult, and then come home to more work and the unexpected with a 21 year old and 18 year old living at home (a husband that is over committed to things outside the home). I just cry help LORD and hunger for his presence and peace. Thank you for your on-line study and keeping me focused on God — Trying to learn how to trust Him and keeping my eyes towards HIm and His Word. Blessings to you are your ministry team. Thank you Proverbs 31 ministries.

I think facing my fears is one of the biggest challenges I have. It is so easy to stay miserable in the comfortable and doubt that I can do something that will ultimately be good for me. I know that this is due to not trusting God to handle the situation and relying on Him to help me get past my fears. I found the names of God so uplifting and helpful this week. I have truly enjoyed this study. So much, I am doing another Proverbs31 study this spring! Thanks for all you do!

Reading this chapter 10, really made me finally realize that I am worth something to God. I wept tears of joy for the realization that I don’t have to live up to man’s/woman’s standards…..God love me for who I am, and more so who I am in Him. This whole study has given me more confidence to do the things God is leading me to do because I was made to fufill His purpose for my life. And He still loves me even when I don’t consistently follow Him….

Have so enjoyed this book and study. The Lord has been teaching me over the past years many things you have discussed in your book. It helps me to clearly focus on these areas for growth. I’m sure I will be rereading this book over time. One of the statements that spoke to me in Chapter 10 was “Instead of changing our circumstances, often God uses our circumstances to bring us closer to Him, make us more like HIm, and help us find our confidence in Him.” I have found this to be so true over the past several years of my life. Circumstances haven’t drastically changed, but through these hard times I have found a deeper walk with my God. He has helped me to grow and trust Him more, in spite of circumstances. We each must choose either to let the burdensome situations draw us closer to Him, or we can choose to ultimately push God away because of our trying circumstances. I choose to draw up closer to Him and let Him mold me into who He wants me to be.

This has been a wonderful chapter that has reminded me I’m not perfect, and that’s okay because God is. Thank you for the list of God’s names because knowing Him in every way is my goal. My favorite name is Emmanuel, just that reminder that He is with me always : )

your blog and this lesson was a welcome retreat after a few emotionally exhausting days. Just reading the words “A Confident Heart” brought tears to my eyes. I have so not been confident about anything lately. Your reminders were so perfect and so welcome. To know that every time I fail and every time I fall my God is always there ~Jehovah Shammah~ was a great help. I will be printing out the names of God and plan to post them in different places in our home. We are fighting a battle, and under tremendous spiritual attack. However I know God is here, He sees our struggle, and will provide a way out! Thank you so much for allowing God to you you to minister to me and to so many others as well.
God Bless

I love the story of Gideon in the Bible and I love the quote in your book on pg. 197 “we will only overcome our fears by walking through them, holding God’s hand and trusting His heart to lead, protect, and preserve us.” I absolutely could not think of a better line that speaks to me right now where I am. Fears of the future, fears in the moment..it doesn’t matter. I know the names of GOD!

This is a wonderful study and I am so glad to be part of it. Learning so much!
Nina B.

I am continually amazed at how the Lord is concerned for us! I weep with joy because this is the very thing I am having difficulty with this week! You are the second person today that has ministered to me about trusting the Lord! I have been praying last week our “Praying God’s Promises” prayer and this week having that prayer answered. I had read Proverbs 24:16 several times before however, never have I really understood that until i watched this video. It is not in the falling we fail only in the not getting up! But even then God is gracious and holds out his had to help us up when we don’t have the strength to get up! I could go on and on because I can feel him lifting me up just now as I type this!! O blessed is the name of the Lord who cares enough for this little lamb to come help me up!!!!

Thank you for the video message. I need to remember to ASK God for help. I seem to blow it too many times and the more I study this book and His Word, the more it helps me find my way closer to God and a better life. I’m half way through Chapter 10 and it is a nice feeling to know I’m not alone in this journey.

Thank you Renee. God is always faithful and thank you for encouraging us. I shared your post on facebook, twitter and subscribed to your blog. I want to know God more and I’m so excited that you will be doing another Bible study. Blessings. Joan

I’m definitely in need this week. Jehovah Jireh, and Jehovah Shaloam. My mother had a stoke on Mon. She was really blessed that it was only mild. She has a little trouble speaking, but otherwise is fine. I just feel tired and overwhelmed, we didn’t do any homeschool this week and I’m not feeling too good, so I may need Jehovah Rapha for me and my mom! I appreciate how you say that we get to know God by sharing our experiences with Him and letting Him reveal Himself to us through His Names. You are a blessing to hear and see. It amazes me how your clothes and jewelry always match the room your in! I loved the cross picture behind you as well as the message. Ch. 10 hits the spot with me. I appreciate your honesty and sharing your failures. I want to know God more and trust Him with every part of my life.
Blessings

Thank you Renee and Proverbs 31 for your wonderful Ministry. I have been so blessed by your bible study Renee and the daily devotions on the Proverbs 31 website. They are always so timely and encouraging! God Bless you all!!

Hi Renee!
Thank you! You always uplift my soul and encourage my spirit with your words.
I think what stood out the most from watching your video was that I NEED to create a relationship with my Heavenly Father.
I am ashamed to admit it but I do have trust issues with Him. But have I really tried to KNOW Him? No, not really. I see the hurts in my life…the deep ones and I question why and don’t understand His ways. But I haven’t taken the time to listen, to learn, to pray for the answers very hard. I pray in my heart daily for answers to things…but I don’t really take the time to listen much. I WANT a relationship with Him. I WANT to know Him and understand things better. Thank you for reminding me that I NEED that in my life and to set a goal to work on that.
The other thing I took from your video is to rise up after I fall and that i WILL fall again, but I am meant to rise again…only stronger. I tend to forget that part…that I am stronger.
I know I don’t comment much here or on Facebook, but I take in very deeply what you say, what you teach what you share.
I really am excited for and want to get in on your study April 23rd. I want to MAKE the time for HIM and for me to grow closer to Him. Thank you for offering this again because I didn’t make the time last time around and was so very sad I missed it.
I have your book and now just need the notes printed out and a large notebook or journal and I am ready this go round . 🙂
Thank you for all you do Renee! May you continue to be blessed for the lives you touch so well and so deeply. Prayers and love going out to you!
~Mippy 🙂
(aka Sabrina)

Your encouragement through videos, book reviews, and devotionals have really blessed me. Yesterday’s devotional “Getting Up Again” is a confirmation to a prophetic message from God. I am so glad that I don’t have to stay “down” when I am down. God’s grace covers us when we fall or fail. One of my favorite scriptures to know when this happens is Romans 8:1-There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. I am really inspired by the formula doubt-confidence-victory. I am experiencing victory from a long set back. Didn’t think I could come out, but with God’s help I made it. May God continue to richly bless you. Keep encouraging others. Your ministry is truly God anointed.

GOD woke me at 1 am to pray this morning..in the silence of the morning…so many prayers going up to 24/7 JESUS , GOD’s RIGHT HAND MAN….who never sleeps & always is listening, praying about people, situations, family, loved ones..yet I feel refreshed right now as I send you this message at about 5 am. I thank GOD at my remembrance of you & the things the LORD has put in your heart to share with so many through this study. Be encouraged! I am the one who the scriptures says although you fall 7 times…but what about 8 times???? YES…..Yet GOD holds me by HIS HAND and loves a worm such as I!!! GRACE….MERCY AND PEACE from GOD OUR FATHER THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!! That is the song I hear this morning…..Thanks for your video today!!!! Hope you have a great day….also praying for your beautiful family!

Hi Renee,
I have just recently discovered your blog, and have so enjoyed it. “A Confident Heart” is definitely something that I have NEVER had. It is not a happy place to always doubt youself. I know that everyone can always be better than they are, but to feel that one is never good enough, able enough, strong enough is discouraging and and has definitely kept me from finding my perfect place of ministry. Thank you for your encouragement! I can’t wait until your next session in April so that I can be with through the entire broadcasts. I am already registered. May God bless you as you follow him.

I am 41 year old recently divorced ter 22 years. God is using your book and ministry to change my life dramatically. I hope to meet you one day to give you a hug of appreciation. I share your videos and quotes from book and your status updates all the time. Thank you.

What an encouraging thought that I can get up again, though I falter and fall time after time. To know that God is with me and that He sees all of my struggles, offering to provide the strength that I need for victory as He journeys with me in life… At times, that is the only reason I can continue to press on. Thank you for the reminders of God’s faithful, outstretched hand.

Thank you for sharing God’s promises and reminding us that God is patient. Thank you also for sharing the names of God and encouraging us to pray God’s Names Names and promises. What a difference this makes.

“If we want to be free from fear so that we can walk by faith, we HAVE to hold on to what God is teaching us, replacing our ways with His. We will only overcome our fears by walking through them, holding God’s hand and trusting God’s heart to lead, protect and preserve us.” Page 197…This is my truth today, this is what i have to do and I have to remember to do it!! I have fallen short so many times and your video Renee was so convincing of His truth that when we fall we can get back up and God will help us and forgive us….These are hard things for me, trust is hard for me and for so many others women as I read through the different women writing their hearts….I keep getting back up again and I have to trust, I have to believe that God is not mad at me, He will never leave me nor forsake me, that He understands and I can trust that. He already knows the outcome before i even open my eyes in the morning…I am grateful for that…My past few days have been very hard and circumstances have caused so much fear and my lack of faith and trust in Him shows right through that fear….I thank each of you for sharing your hearts and letting this sinner saved by God’s grace and mercy see on paper that i am not alone…Of course we all know that but seeing through all of your hearts has helped me…Thank you and God Bless

I am loving this journey and learning and growing so much! I have often felt like our Father’s problem child, having to come back again and again for forgiveness, especially about my attitudes. If I were Him, I’d be saying, “Not YOU again!” Along these lines I have listened to Sanctus Real’s song “Forgiven” several times in the last week — so profound! I am loving the feeling of digging my tap root down and getting it connected to God’s word and promises. Thank you for sharing your heart and being real. God has been challenging me to do the same. I have failed in ways that most folks who know me would never imagine and I truly want God to show His power off through my weakness! By the way, I did share this post to facebook. I am meeting with a group of 7 ladies in my house going through this book and would love to get a lot more to join in your next session. I have been praying protection and blessing on you as you minister our Father’s heart to His girls!

I wanted to share something with you all. Last night as I was praying, God spoke to me in a huge way! YEAH! I invisioned myself running around in circles and God is standing there watching me. He’s waiting for me to slow down and stop to see Him there…waiting. Waiting for me. When I finally stop and look at Him, He opens His arms and smiles and holds out His arms and tells me to “TRUST” Him. To put everything else that I am running around in circles about behind me and to put Him first and “TRUST” Him. I think we all go through this. We all get wrapped up in our worries and soon we look like a crazy person running around. God is here for us all! Waiting for us. Wanting us to “TRUST” Him.

Thank you Renee for the word of the week and this video. I pray for all of us that we will put our “TRUST” in Him and not let our worries take over.

I am so thankful you shared about the names of God! I have been very much trying to pray God’s word and share the powerfulness of that with others. I have tried to work on gettings the names of God before but have not stuck with it. This is a great motivator for me to come in and start focusing more on the names and roles the Lord is in my life! Thanks so much!!!!!

I loved it all, but I have been seeking to know God better, specifically in those terms “know God”. Also, yesterday and today, I have been filled with doubt, so those words were very encouraging. Thank you!

I really am encouraged by the video today. I need to trust God in a big way. Things are completely out of my hands and there is nothing I can do apart from God and that is what I am really realizing and woke up praying for today.
Your book has been such an inspiration to my life. I will continue to do the study bc it has so helped me.
Thank you, Renee:)

tHANK YOU FOR THE NAMES OF GOD. i PRINTED IT OFF AND AM GOING TO LOOK UP ALL THE VERSES NOW. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN SO DISCOURAGED. I KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL BUT I FEEL SO DEFEATED BY LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES

This bible study has been an inspiration to me as I struggle through this journey called life. Each chapter has revealed to me truths I had no knowledge of and the ah ha moments have been many. I iplan to do the program over again in April because I know there is so much more for me to learn. Today’s video is the perfect example. Thank you for allowing Him to use you in such a meaningful way. Your openness and honesty makes it so much easier to see our own mistake and issues and face them head on instead of hiding from them and denyng them. God bless you and thanks!

There are times when I need to remember that God is always with me. Reading over His names on your Knowing God By Name list has given me a lift that I have needed for so long. Emmanuel: My God with Me is the first one on the list. I have been saying Emmanuel over and over in my head since I read the list and I feel His peace growing. I thank you for helping me remember His names are really who He is. I thank God daily that He place A Confident Heart in my life. Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a huge way in lives of so many thousands of women. I email your articles to many friends and co workers. One is involved in a prison ministry and she is printing the articles and sending them to inmates. She reports that many of them have told her that they look forward to the articles and that they are helping them to grow in their faith. Thank you for being so real!

-“Gideon didn’t yet trust God. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know.” How simple and true this is. More proof that spending time w/ God is sooo necessary, so fulfilling, so wonderful. Otherwise how will you get to know him?
-“Our depth of knowing God comes when we depend on Him and discover that He is dependable.” Sometimes we have to hit our heads HARD on the rocks before we begin to realize God really is dependable. It is a journey, definitely a process, but why not enjoy the process too? Realizing the journey is normal and expected and as hard as it seems, we’re never back at square one…you may take 5 steps and go back a couple when difficulty things happen, but never back to square one bc that’s not where God means for us to be! Woooooot!

Thank you for the list of God’s names all together on a page. I am going to do as you and keep a list of these in my purse and journal to reflect upon. I love how His names describe His character and reflect his promises to us. I hadn’t really thought of it in that way before.

I’m sort of disappointed how my life has turned out and that I have not reached the goals i have set for my self,:marriage, business, career, etc, and this chapter served as a reminder that I might not be where I want to be, but I am not wherfe I used to be…I’ve mature, , and I am grateful for what He’s giving so far, and that he is my provider and friend and I can go to him any time and he will listen. Great chapter!

Well here I am again and have read Chapter 10 what a great refresher on Gideon, he was so much like many others in the scriptures who felt uncertain in how much they could trust God. Sounds a little familiar to modern times. More like a lot right? Today is the beginning of the rest of my life and learning to come back to the word so I learn more of God’s faithfulness and remembering He has forgiven me, all he wants now is for me to come to Him to fill my heart with his words of comfort, encouragement, remembrance, and being his obedient servant. I can approach his Throne of grace in full knowledge of obtaining mercy and receiving grace from Him as promised in Heb 4:16.

Thank you Renee for your teachings, I am thoroughly enjoying them, and learning to not be so hard on myself and be willing to be a part of the solution rather than expecting a magic wand to be waved and all is well.

The devotion (Getting Back Up Again) from yesterday was the bullseye to my target need. A woman has two major decisions to make in her life: to follow Christ, and to choose who to marry. Because I chose poorly on that second decision, I live with the consequences daily, as do my children. There will likely be generational repercussions.
I have such a self-loathing for my failure that it is hard to keep getting back up. Please pray that God will help me.

It was very comforting to hear that the righteous will fall. Not if they fall or maybe they will fall, but WHEN they fall. I have fallen so many times and God has always been there to pick me and love me. I do not know what I would do without my loving Father. When I fall and everything around is falling, He is there to pick me up and reassure me that He will never leave me.

I LOVE the list of God’s names. I can not wait to print it off and have a copy hanging on my bathroom mirror where my husband and I can see it and reflect on it daily.

I just love the names of God thank you so much for including those in your study! One year I wrote all the names of Christ on a beautiful ribbon and wrapped it around my Christmas tree as a decoration. We liked it so much it went around the tree for about five years! I
I also have really enjoyed your video. We all fail sometimes and fall throughout our journey with Christ. Our pastor frequently reminds us that we need the Gospel every day and he is so right our failures remind us that we are always in need of a Savior. Our God is a God of second chances and “do overs” and he gives us lots of chances to mature and grow through our weaknesses. I loved reading the honesty in these posts. Thank you ladies for sharing!

Thank you so much for being available to God. He works through you at just the right time to bring encouragement. The message of getting up, trying again and learning from our mistakes is so good. It was so good to watch your video right after I reminded myself about failing forward. How awesome that Jesus empowers us to get up again. Such love.
I let my friends know about your uipcoming study since it is so helpful. Every woman needs to do this study. I am so glad God led me to it.

I just read your message on Proverbs 31 ministries email. I ordered Confident Heart book and signed up for the study—thank you! I asked God for MORE—I wanted to know more about HIM and He is so wonderful, I’m finding out more ways to learn about Him!!

I just wanted to share how my insecurity, worry and doubt are impacting me in a situation currently. I have two whispers happening one saying ‘quit, stop, rest’ and one saying ‘dont quit, work harder, what will people think if you stop, your closing the door on this career, what if you regret it later…etc’. I have been praying for Gods direction and yesterday read your devotion on Proverbs 31 ministries and read your blog. This is me – full of self doubt and in my particular situation currently it is self doubt that if I leave this career behind that the identity and worth I found in it will go, the future I was planning goes, the defining myself by what I do, what I accomplish will go, and I fear disappointing others, I fear not being able to help my son, I fear needing to seek help from others and looking silly, I fear letting go of job security. And when I read the devotion and chapter one of your book together with seeking God this week I am hearing that my self doubt, my fears, my pride, my insecurity is me leaning on my understanding, me putting my trust in me, my work and my abilities. I need to repent and receive afresh the grace of God and trust Him with everything. I will fail, I will fall, I will disappoint people, I will need help at times and in all these I have a great God is there for me and wants me to glow and shine in His light. For too long I have tried so hard to make everything happen but I was standing in a shadow by myself, today my hope and trust are in God.

can’t watch the video right now (something happened to my downloader, internet too slow to watch instantly, so I have to figure something out.)

Anyway – haven’t got to Chapter 10 yet. I know you said if you are behind, just skip ahead and get into chp 10 now and go back later, but I still haven’t been able to sit and read yet. I think as a church we are still grieving well I know we are, and it’s hard to get back into a routine.

I am still holding onto a promise that something will change as I read this book and God’s word however, and won’t quit.

Thank you for reminding me that the more I know God…the more my confidence will grow. I have been having some health issues and being a single mother of 3 children, I am feeling overwhelmed and anxious about not being able to find a job since May 2011. I want to build an awesome relationship with God. Hearing your video helped me feel so much better about trusting God. My struggles are stepping stones that are helping me grow spiritually!

I thank you for chapter 10 I am glad you included the names of God. The one that stood out and ministered to me is El Roi The God who Sees Me. I like the fact God knows me intimately as Psalm 139 says and still accepts, loves me in spite of my failures. What an awesome God!

Doris,
Find comfort in knowing that you have thousands of women participating in this study praying for YOU! I don’t know what you’re going through, but I do know that God knows. Trust Him. Continue to focus on His promises. Big hug and many prayers!
For His Glory,
Kristin

I am so excited for your on-line biblestudy. My heart is broken and aching during this season in my life and I am needing to fill my heart with the Truth of God. Contagious Confidence is what my heart is yearning for and I can’t wait to begin! I love getting your emails and I will be facebooking you when I get home for lunch!! Thanks for the chance to win and for the encouragement! I need it!!

I just watched your video! Another awesome one too good not to share…just shared the video via Facebook. (big smile.) The part that caught me the most is that God promises to be there to take our hand and help us up again. And so, why do we try so often to stay down or attempt to get up on our own? I have recently challenged myself to become more dependent on God…to know Him…and to trust Him more and more. And you totally said that in this video!!! Once again, I heard God speaking through you. Thank you. I will continue to grow in my confidence as I learn to live in His promises and seek Him!

I am re-posting on Chapter 10 blog. Mine didn’t go through the other day.

I liked this video from Renee Swope. The closing thoughts said: “Gideon learned to follow God more consistently by depending on God’s strength instead of his own. He shifted his focus from doubting himself to believing his God. More than just helping him conquer the Midianites, God also helped Gideon conquer his personal enemies of doubt and fear. And He wants to do the same things in our lives. Oftentimes God will use our doubts to build our confidence by calling us to face our fears and do something we would never choose to do on our own. But when we depend on Him, we experience victory we never thought possible! I know how that feels, because with all that has been going on with my severe health challenges I never thought that I could handle it, but I can! God is the one who has me by His right hand and He is leading the way for the victory! He is going to get the glory in all of this and I know without a doubt how much He loves me! Why can we rise again? Because we have a God who promises to be there to take our hand and help us up again. In Psalm 37: 23-24 says, (insert your name in the blanks) “The steps of _Kimberly_____ are established by the Lord, and He delights in _Kimberly’s___ way. When _Kimberly_________ falls _she____ will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds __Kimberly’s__________ hand. (NASB). He will be there for us and when we do fall He will pick us up again. I hope you like this video as much as I did and to know the promises He gives us.

I’ve enjoyed — and LEARNED from — this study so much! It has been genuinely life-changing. I can’t begin to tell you how comforting it has been to learn more about God and how he views us, His Royal Daughters, by reading Renee’s words through her prayers, writing, videos, and leading us through Scripture. Chapter 10 really made me see how this book has helped quiet my self-doubt and fears. I love how I now know that I share the same flaws and doubts as so many other God-fearing women, this is very comforting. :^) I will reach for this book time and time again and will definitely have it in mind to suggest to my Christian sisters.

I don’t do Twitter or Facebook but I do share your site with friends by email. I continue to appreciate your words of encouragement to have a Confident Heart.and be a more Confident Women . That video was wonderful thanks for sharing all of GOD’S names. I have to confess have alwready finshed the book last couldn’t put it down it’s AWESOME! Look forward to your next book Renee MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAAMILY.

I Thank you for sharing. I’ve learned much from this Bible study about myself , my relationship with Christ and how it is related so closely with every day life. it seems I’m relearning this again and again. Loved how you used the story of Gideon and his relationship with God and how it worked in his every day life. It’s such a blessing to know God is in control and every time I see and review the names of God I always remember how much God is in my life even when I’ve failed he picks me up and is there. I reposted yourvideo on my FB knowing it would be shared with others that may need encouragement. Thanks again for shareing and encouragement to share through your study. Praying for you and those participating in your study, Just knowing I am in a constant process of becoming and in a walk with my God. God’s Blessings

This spoke right to me:
The greatest defeat comes when I allow my mistakes, sins or broken relationships to convince me that I might as well give up.

Perhaps you have also allowed failure to knock you down, tie you up with the ropes of regret and hold you hostage like I have.

The greatest defeat comes when I allow my mistakes, sins or broken relationships to convince me that I might as well give up.
…

I think God wants us to remember that following Him is not about avoiding failures and being perfect. It’s about accepting our weaknesses and becoming more dependent on His perfect love and power at work in us.

I’ll send it on to my women friends so they, too, can be reminded it’s not about perfection but dependence on HIM.

I’ve learned so much from this study. Before I started, I was afraid….afraid of life, fear to move forward. I had fatih in God, but not the kind of faith I should have. Now….My Lord is my strength, he guides me through each day. This study has opened my eyes and heart to how God can and will control everything in my life, if I let him. Worry, depression, fear are now laid at Gods feet to handle. I feel the peace he gives me. Thank You so much for your book, and this study….It came at a time I really needed it.

I cannot express how perfect this video message was for me in this very moment in time. I have been focusing one Trusting God more in my life, bringing all my worries and concerns to him and not dwelling in the shroud of fear that can easily take over. I want to fully accept the BLESSING the Father has given me…Accepting his love and knowing he will not forsake me. To be Strong & Courageous, Joshua 1:9

To lay down all worries…

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

I bought Confidant Heart for my Kindle several weeks ago but haven’t
gotten very far reading yet. Wednesday, I read the devotional Getting
Up Again & went to work. That afternoon I was called into HR & told
that I wouldn’t have my job next school year. I was devistated. This is
my calling but I know that God is in control. It was no coincidence that
that particular verse & devotional were on Encouragement for Today on
that day. It was just what I was going to need

It’s such a challenge for me to talk about what Christ has done to my life in front of friends and family that don’t know him. They are the ones that need to hear it most and I am too afraid to expose myself. I hate when fear rules my life. I am praying for confidence to share my story of how Christ redeemed my life and how he is still changing me. My friends and family need this hope from me.

I thank God for His grace and for giving you the words that keeps me going. Sometimes it’s just so hard to know how to make it but then someone or something will say or do something that clicks with me.

I’m a little late in viewing the email and posting that I have been receiving your email updates since one of the beginning 7 Day Doubt Free diet series, which I really enjoyed as well! I never saw the story of Gideon as being an example I could follow but your video and chapter show what a good example he is! Thank-you for doing this online study. I have really enjoyed it!

I can’t tell you how grateful I am of your book and online bible study!! I never knew how deep of a relationship I could have with God and thought my insecurities was a part of who I was…..never even knew how to start building more confidence. I grew up Catholic, but we never went to church (sometimes on Easter, sometimes on Christmas) but one thing we always did was say grace before dinner. I knew of God, but didn’t KNOW Him and didn’t know how to have a relationship or even know that I Should have a relationship. Thank You!

thank you so much for this video such truth to this that we all need to live by it and work on it . I know myself this is something that I really struggle with and need to work on . As this is something that i have struggled all my life with and still do. Going to remember when in doubt or afraid ect to write those things on a piece of paper and throw them in the garbage. Thank you for blessing my life not only with your video today but with all your post